January 15, 2016
Release Number 20160115-02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command announced
the results of several civilian casualty assessments today. After a thorough
review of the facts and circumstances for each allegation, the preponderance of
evidence indicates five separate U.S. airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, between
April 12 and July 4, have likely resulted in the death of eight civilians and injuries
to an additional three civilians. We deeply regret the unintentional loss of
life and injuries resulting from those airstrikes and express our deepest
sympathies to the victims' families and those affected.
The Coalition takes all feasible precautions to avoid civilian casualties
during the course of military operations. In all of the cases released today,
assessments determined that although the air strikes complied with the law of
armed conflict and all appropriate precautions were taken, civilian casualties
unfortunately did occur.
We are sharing this information with the public as part of our commitment to
transparency. We continue to review additional claims of civilian casualties
and will provide additional information in the future.
Here is a description of the five U.S. strikes alleged to have resulted in
civilian casualties and determined to be credible:
1. On April 12, 2015, near al Huwayjah, Iraq, during a strike on an ISIL
tactical unit, it was assessed that two unidentified civilians were killed.
2. On June 11, 2015, near Soluk, Syria, during strikes against an ISIL tactical
unit, it is assessed that three unidentified civilians were killed.
3. On June 19, 2015, near Tall al Adwaniyah, Syria, during a strike against two
ISIL vehicles, it is assessed that one civilian was injured when appearing in
the target area after the U.S. aircraft released its weapon.
4. On June 29, 2015, near Haditha, Iraq, during strikes against one ISIL
tactical unit and two ISIL vehicles, it is assessed that two civilians were
injured. After the U.S. aircraft engaged the target and two seconds prior to
impact, a car slowed in front of the ISIL vehicles while a motorcycle
simultaneously passed by. The target vehicle was destroyed in the strike but
there was insufficient evidence to determine the level of injuries to the
civilians operating the passing car and motorcycle.
5. On July 4, 2015, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during a strike against an ISIL High
Value Individual, a car and a motorcycle entered the target area after the
weapon was released. It is assessed that three unidentified civilians were
likely killed.